Roland Ratzenberger

F1 photographer Keith Sutton will mark the death of his friend Roland Ratzenberger at this weekend’s San Marino GP.

Ratzenberger was tragically killed in qualifying for the 1994 Imola race, just 24 hours before the death of Ayrton Senna.

Sutton is determined to ensure that Ratzenberger is not forgotten, even though much of the attention over the next week is likely to focus on the commemorations of Senna’s death.

To this end, he has had 100 pin badges bearing the late Austrian’s helmet design re-commissioned, which he will present to a number of Ratzenberger’s closest friends at this weekend’s race.

Keith got the idea after recalling bumping into Ratzenberger on a flight back to Europe following the Pacific GP.

He explained: “We were on the same flight back to England and at the airport the gentleman at the check-in desk recognised Roland to be an F1 driver, which delighted Roland immensely.

“Roland proceeded to give the check-in staff a pin-badge depicting his helmet. Roland had had these produced on his arrival to F1 and was handing them out to friends and those who had supported him over the years. This gesture promptly saw Roland upgraded from Business to First Class!

“The idea of reissuing the pin badge that Roland handed out has been supported by his parents Rudolf and Margit; they represent a time in Roland’s life where he was at his happiest - a lifetime’s ambition to become an F1 driver had been realised.

“The issuing of them over the course of the 2004 San Marino Grand Prix will be my personal way of ensuring that his life is remembered and celebrated.

“Whilst Roland would never had compared his talents to those of Ayrton Senna, who we also sadly lost that weekend, I believe his desire and enthusiasm for the sport he loved was the match of anyone in the paddock. He showed that determination and hard work could allow you to fulfil your dreams.”

Keith will also mark the Austrian’s death by unveiling a photographic tribute to him, entitled the Roland Ratzenberger Collection.

We will be remembering Roland’s tragic death on the ITV-F1 website by publishing a selection of Keith’s photos on this site next week.

Today marks the tenth anniversary of Roland Ratzenberger's death.

The 33-year-old died when he lost control of his Simtek at the high-speed Villeneuve kink at Imola.

The popular Austrian had been trying to qualify for his second grand prix, having finished 11th at the Pacific Grand Prix a fortnight beforehand. 

Ratzenberger's death sent shockwaves through the sport, being the first fatality at an F1 race in more than a decade.

Ayrton Senna's fatal accident 24 hours later has often been allowed to overshadow Ratzenberger's death. 

But anyone who met this outgoing, kind and genuine man - and many who didn't - will spare a thought for him and his family today.

For a pictorial tribute to Roland Ratzenberger click here

To find out more about Ratzenberger's career click here